Matthijs de Ligt will miss the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign after undergoing surgery on a back injury, sparking debate over whether Manchester United should prioritise a move for a new centre back ahead of their eagerly awaited return to the Champions League.
It has been a difficult season for Matthijs de Ligt in terms of injuries.
The Netherlands international, who will miss the 2026 World Cup, has been out of action for six months. That means De Ligt hasn’t made a single appearance under Michael Carrick.
It was confirmed on Friday that De Ligt has undergone surgery on his back injury, which comes as another setback for the defender.
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Man Utd not prioritising centre-back search this summer
United are not panicking over De Ligt.
It sounds as though they are satisfied with the options available at centre-back.
That includes players like Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Reliable journalist David Ornstein has provided an update on United’s stance on De Ligt’s injury as the transfer window approaches.
Ornstein doesn’t believe United are planning to prioritise a move for a new centre-back following De Ligt’s surgery, which should have happened months ago.
“Further back, we’ve had news today that Matthijs de Ligt has undergone surgery for a back problem,” Ornstein told NBC Sports.
“Many people may say that could send Manchester United into the market for central defence. I don’t think so as a result of that news because the surgery is said to have gone well.
“He will be back early in the season is the hope. If somebody leaves, then of course maybe replacing will be on the agenda, but I don’t think it is forefront of their minds at the moment.”
United have been linked with centre-backs in recent weeks, but the priority remains in midfield ahead of Casemiro’s departure.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Manchester United not likely to prioritise a centre-back signing despite Matthijs de Ligt’s surgery
- De Ligt is expected to miss the start of next season
- United have been linked with a move for centre-backs this summer
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Matthijs de Ligt stats this season
De Ligt only made 14 appearances for United this season.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played since November, and he will be eager to get back onto the pitch next season.
It will come as a relief to De Ligt that United are not planning to sign a new centre-back. That means he’ll have a better chance to fight for his place after returning to full fitness.
Moreover, Maguire isn’t getting any younger and De Ligt has plenty of experience in the Champions League.
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